The tiny Central American nation known as Belize sits between Mexico and Guatemala covering the north and southern frontiers respectively and well known as a paradise for tourists. This country shares numerous common points in terms of history and geography with its neighboring countries and being a part of the Mesoamerican, the previous being an ancestral heritage of the Maya and the second having beautiful beaches and verdant flora and fauna. So, for a traveler who wishes to experience a little more than the vibrant Belize City and a range of interesting aquatic activities, you can find a different way to experience again the Mayan era and it is through bird watching.
The Maya held winged creatures in high regard; this is one fact is apparent even to casual observers ever since the commencement of the study of the ancient Mayan civilization. Central America has become a haven of exotic species of birds ever since time immemorial and pelicans, owls, eagles, vultures, quetzals and macaws to mention a few are some of the few varieties which are present today. With the hieroglyphic script which the Mayans had developed, each one of these birds was represented by a glyph and had a higher status with the tribe leaders.
During the peak of the Mayan civilization, the Maya have made liberal use of glyphs to depict birds by transcribing them on ceramics, vases, and murals and on walls of caves and temples. Leaders of the tribe used to sport superbly multi-colored and intricate head-dresses made out of feathers of these winged creatures although bird-like designs on clothing depicted the wearer's unquestionable power or influence. Although Belize was amongst the settlements of the Maya, it's simply a matter of visiting the excavation and ceremonial sites to know the significance of the birds to the Mayans.
As expected, a required part of the travel kit while traveling to Belize would be a strong mosquito repellent and its use is not only confined to bird watching trips but also to areas that are swampy and wooded. Boots, binoculars and a guide pertaining to birds are other recommendations from experienced ornithologists. It is recommended that much portion of the skin must be covered and opting for long or full sleeved shirt and lightweight trousers is is of great importance. Though optional, the use of scarf to cover the lower portion of your neck and face leaving just your eyes visible might also turn out to become protective.
Dating back since the time of the Mayans, Macaw already existed and such bird is best seen in south Belize in a quaint Maya village named Red Bank. To find these bright scarlet birds in action, such as eating on the fruits of the native annatto tree, a visit must be planned within the months of January and March. In addition trekking through the rainforest covering the Maya Mountains could prove to be a fulfilling bird watching experience simply because these are home to owls, swallows, kites and also the colorful painted bunting.
Motmot of 'toh' as the Mayans call it is a multicolored bird having prominent black circumferences surrounding the eyes and wearing a turquoise crown and brown feathers. They might have co-existed with the Mayans given their deep attachment to caves and having been known as cave dwelling species. Lamanai is the area in Belize where these birds can be spotted amidst the Mayan ruins. When in the area, you may also look out for particular Central American variations of woodpeckers, kingfishers and jacanas. Since Belize has mini habitats and microclimates, it's a haven to particular extraordinary species as well like cotinga and ocellated turkey which is recognized by the Mayans as 'kutz'. Such bird species reside on treetops and can be spotted during bird watching only after careful scrutiny and are vibrantly colored having violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow and white plumage.
The Maya held winged creatures in high regard; this is one fact is apparent even to casual observers ever since the commencement of the study of the ancient Mayan civilization. Central America has become a haven of exotic species of birds ever since time immemorial and pelicans, owls, eagles, vultures, quetzals and macaws to mention a few are some of the few varieties which are present today. With the hieroglyphic script which the Mayans had developed, each one of these birds was represented by a glyph and had a higher status with the tribe leaders.
During the peak of the Mayan civilization, the Maya have made liberal use of glyphs to depict birds by transcribing them on ceramics, vases, and murals and on walls of caves and temples. Leaders of the tribe used to sport superbly multi-colored and intricate head-dresses made out of feathers of these winged creatures although bird-like designs on clothing depicted the wearer's unquestionable power or influence. Although Belize was amongst the settlements of the Maya, it's simply a matter of visiting the excavation and ceremonial sites to know the significance of the birds to the Mayans.
As expected, a required part of the travel kit while traveling to Belize would be a strong mosquito repellent and its use is not only confined to bird watching trips but also to areas that are swampy and wooded. Boots, binoculars and a guide pertaining to birds are other recommendations from experienced ornithologists. It is recommended that much portion of the skin must be covered and opting for long or full sleeved shirt and lightweight trousers is is of great importance. Though optional, the use of scarf to cover the lower portion of your neck and face leaving just your eyes visible might also turn out to become protective.
Dating back since the time of the Mayans, Macaw already existed and such bird is best seen in south Belize in a quaint Maya village named Red Bank. To find these bright scarlet birds in action, such as eating on the fruits of the native annatto tree, a visit must be planned within the months of January and March. In addition trekking through the rainforest covering the Maya Mountains could prove to be a fulfilling bird watching experience simply because these are home to owls, swallows, kites and also the colorful painted bunting.
Motmot of 'toh' as the Mayans call it is a multicolored bird having prominent black circumferences surrounding the eyes and wearing a turquoise crown and brown feathers. They might have co-existed with the Mayans given their deep attachment to caves and having been known as cave dwelling species. Lamanai is the area in Belize where these birds can be spotted amidst the Mayan ruins. When in the area, you may also look out for particular Central American variations of woodpeckers, kingfishers and jacanas. Since Belize has mini habitats and microclimates, it's a haven to particular extraordinary species as well like cotinga and ocellated turkey which is recognized by the Mayans as 'kutz'. Such bird species reside on treetops and can be spotted during bird watching only after careful scrutiny and are vibrantly colored having violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow and white plumage.
About the Author:
Linda Patterson is a birding enthusiast from the USA. The Mexican Yucatan Peninsula offers amazing bird watching tour opportunities. Check these birding tours for more information on this great destination.
